Current as of: July 15, 2019 - 14:06 Valid for departures: From January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2019 Dordogne River Walk, Self Guided Trip Notes Ways to Travel: Self-Guided 9 Days Land only Trip Code: Destinations: Adventure Holidays in France Min age: 8 Leisurely / Moderate Programmes: Walking & Trekking W08DO Trip Overview Perigord is one of the largest and most picturesque areas in France. It is divided into two by the River Dordogne which founded the historic frontier between France and England during the Hundred Years War (1337-1453). Along its banks you'll find over a thousand castles steeped in legend and history, and witness to centuries of conquests and conflict. Today the rich and varied culture of this land is still here for you to discover. You will meander along paths that follow the twists and turns of the valley and you will climb through fields and shaded woodland to hilltop towns and fortified strongholds with impressive views. At a Glance 8 Nights, hotel-to-hotel 4 Days walking Departs Every two days from 19 Apr '19 to 16 Oct '19 Continental breakfasts and 6 evening meals Headwater wine service Route notes and maps provided Luggage transfers between hotels Countries visited: Adventure Holidays in France Trip Highlights Unspoilt scenery, woodland valleys, well-marked tranquil riverside paths Pretty medieval villages; traditional Perigourdine markets, fairytale chateaux La Roque Gageac, one of 'Les Plus Beaux Villages de France' Wonderful river wildlife: heron, coypu,kites, kingfishers, buzzards and dragonflies Friendly, family-run hotels, all with pools and good food Is This Trip for You? Classification: Self-Guided Average daily distance: 16.5km/10.5 miles No. of days walking: 4 Terrain and route: The suggested walking mainly follows Peaceful well-marked walks mainly through forests, sunflower fields and along riverside paths. Rolling hills, so no need for a head for heights. Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to walk independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodation, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can walk at your own pace, while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next. A representative will be there to meet you and will be on call throughout the trip should you need. It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked. As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The route notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service. Families Self-guided walking holidays are a perfect option for families as they offer the freedom for you to take your holiday at your own pace. You can stop as and when you want and need, at the cafes and restaurants that suit your family and the sites that interest you. Adult min age: 18 Child min age: 8 Child max age: 17 Itinerary Land Only Start City: Martel End City: Saint-Vincent-De-Cosse Land Only Itinerary Day 1 Arrive in Martel Arrive at your hotel in Martel, a picturesque town also known as 'la ville aux sept tours' or the town of seven towers. Your Hotel is a former convent school in 7000m2 of private gardens. (Staying at Le Relais Sainte-Anne) Meals included: Dinner Day 2 Martel to Meyronne Before leaving Martel, take time to enjoy its mediaeval streets, in particular the Palais de la Raymondie and the Place de la Halle. Martel is where the son of Henry II, (called Henry Court-Mantel for the new short cloak he made fashionable) died during the Hundred Years War; the house where he died is still visible today. Enjoy wonderful 360 degree views of the Dordogne Valley from the summit of Mont Mercou, before arriving at your 11th century chateau hotel. (Staying at Hotel de la Terrasse) Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner Distance covered: 10 km / 7 miles Activity (hours): 3 Day 3 At Meyronne You have lots of choices today. Either relax by the hotel pool or walk south of the river to Rocher Sainte-Marie and the Grottes de Lacave. If you prefer, head to the town of Rocamadour, home to the shrine of the Black Madonna and one of France's most venerated religious sites. Alternatively, travel by taxi to the Gouffre de Padirac, an enormous chasm where you descend into an underground cave system that you then explore by boat along the subterranean stream. (Staying at Hotel de la Terrasse) Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner Day 4 Meyronne to Souillac Leave Meyronne following the rewarding path along the Roc de Monges with spectacular panoramic views along the river and buzzards and kites soaring overhead. Take the GR6 path through sleepy hamlets and lush farmland, rejoining the river at Chateau de la Treyne before continuing on to the atmospheric small town of Souillac. (Staying at La Vielle Auberge) Meals included: Breakfast Distance covered: 19 km / 12 miles Activity (hours): 5 Day 5 At Souillac Wander around this delightful town or visit the Musee de l'Automate, which holds the largest collection of mechanical toys and dolls in France. Alternatively, walk to La Durantie for more stunning views along the Dordogne Valley. (Staying at La Vielle Auberge) Meals included: Breakfast Day 6 Souillac to Carsac Take a transfer to Roufillac then head along the south bank of the Dordogne River into the heart of the Perigord Nord. You can also take a short detour to visit Chateau de Fenelon en route to Carsac. (Staying at La Villa Romaine) Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner Distance covered: 16 km / 10 miles Activity (hours): 4 Day 7 At Carsac Walk along the disused railway line that is now a 'voie verte' into Sarlat and explore this mediaeval town, the capital of the Perigord Noir. Wander the warren of old lanes and charming courtyards with their Renaissance facades and richly ornamented buildings, now protected by law. (Staying at La Villa Romaine) Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner Day 8 Carsac to Saint-Vincent-De-Cosse Today's wonderful day of walking takes you along one of the historically interesting sections of the Dordogne River. Pass stone bories (dry stone huts) and small country hamlets as you walk between Chateau de Montfort, Vitrac port and La Roque-Gageac, with incredible views. With the fortifications of Castelnau just across the river from you, stroll into the incredible towering stronghold of Beynac with its quaint cobbled lanes, once besieged by Richard the Lionheart. Take a short but steep detour up to the Chateau de Beynac - perhaps enjoy a refreshing drink on a cafe terrace, with stunning views over the river) then continue through the serene countryside to your hotel. (Staying at the Domaine de Monrecour Chateau Hotel, Half Board) Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner Distance covered: 19 km / 12 miles Activity (hours): 5 Day 9 Leave Saint-Vincent-De-Cosse Meals included: Breakfast All ascents, descents and distances listed above have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders. Please note that different GPS measuring devices can give differing results dependent on the barometric pressures at the time. Measurements stated throughout these trips notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Accommodation Hotels You will stay in characterful 3 & 4 star hotels throughout, including a grand country manor set in its own private parkland, two beautifully preserved chateaux and a traditional family-run auberge. All hotels have private swimming pools. Where a single supplement is available, paying for a single only guarantees a room for single use. It does not always mean a twin or double room will be provided for sole occupancy. Single supplement from $620.00 USD Food & Transport Eating & Drinking Continental breakfasts and 6 evening meals. The Dordogne has a rich cuisine based on 'produits du terroir' (locally grown produce). A typical first course would be 'tourain', an onion and garlic soup cooked in a broth with duck or goose fat, and ladled over slices of country bread and cheese. Paté, often duck or goose, is equally popular, as is foie gras. Main course specialities also include duck and goose, often served in light cream sauces and, in the autumn, fresh cepes. Duck or goose fat is also used for the accompanying pommes de terre sarladaises - slices of potato sauteed in goose fat, with garlic, parsley and wild mushrooms. Traditional desserts include tarte aux noix, and flognarde, a type of flan with fruit and liqueur. A local cheese that is worth tasting is Bleu des Causses, similar to Roquefort, as well as Rocamadour goat's cheese. There are also some fantastic wines that come from the local area and a little further afield in Bordeaux that will accompany your meals perfectly. Transportation Your luggage is transported from hotel to hotel for you. Transfers will be in a taxi or minibus. On Day 6 there is a transfer to Roufillac. Weather & Seasonality Weather Information Summers in the Dordogne are warm-hot with temperatures reaching 25-35 degrees Celcius. There may be occasional storms and showers, these are usually short but you should be prepared. Colder spells can also arrive and last a day or two. Temperatures in the early morning can still be quite mild, so it is a good idea to have an additional layer.